Physics and Dynamics of Tropical Clouds(PDTC)

Objectives

  • To study the cloud-aerosol-precipitation interactions using observations and simulations.
  • To formulate a scientific basis and protocol to enhance rain formation and rain enhancement using the recent cloud seeding technologies and the state-of-the-art instrumentation.
  • To carry out collocated airborne and integrated ground based observations to understand a) the microphysical changes in the clouds as a result of changes in aerosol particles, b) microphysical and dynamical controls on the rain formation, c) how physical and chemical properties of aerosols may impact radiative forcing and cloud formation, d) how direct and indirect effect of aerosols may be quantified, and e) utilization of observations in formulating process level parameterization for monsoon clouds, f) understand the fog layer microphysics and microscale processes to understand fog formation, evolution and dissipation.
  • To Study the dynamical, microphysical and electrical characteristics of thunderstorms, and their interactions with each other over the Indian region (which can help in improving their prediction).
  • To study the interaction of thunderclouds with environmental conditions.
  • To understand the effect of electrical forces on microphysical characteristics of thunderstorm.
  • To study boundary layer characteristics by making observation with micrometeorological tower.  
  • To establish India’s first High-Altitude Cloud Physics Laboratory with state-of-the-art instrumentation to measure aerosol, cloud, precipitation and environmental parameters for studying the effect of aerosols on cloud microphysics and in-turn precipitation.
  • To understand several of the micro physical and dynamical processes involved in aerosol-cloud-precipitation interactions by simultaneously observing them through long-term surface observations.
  • To investigate a) secondary organic aerosol formation and their effect on cloud microphysics, and b) aerosol-CCN closure using aerosol chemistry and hygroscopicity measurements.
  • To investigate the spatial distribution of cloud and precipitation systems over the Western Ghats and surrounding regions using polarimetric weather radars and to validate radar reflectivity and rainfall measurements using network of Optical Rain Gauge (ORG) and Disdrometer.  
  • Retrieval of cloud microphysical properties using polarimetric Ka-band radar.
  • To study the impact of assimilation of Doppler and polarimetric radar products into numerical meso-scale models.
  • To improve the understanding of cloud, precipitation systems and regional hydrological cycle through space borne observations.
  • To contribute towards the national space programme in the areas of retrieval of scientific products, validation and through value addition.

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PDTC          CAIPEEX       HACPL            Thunderstorm Dynamics        Radar & Satellite Meteorology